Asked before the game whether rookie Lavoy Allen could play center, Collins said that he believed the 6-9, 225-pounder from Temple could give the team minutes at that position.

"I do think Lavoy could play center," Collins said. "He's very, very strong and he's got a great base about him."

In his first extended minutes of the season in Monday's 103-83 win over Washington because of the injuries to Hawes and fellow rookie Vucevic, Allen was 5 for 5 from the field for 10 points, and had six rebounds in 17 minutes, 26 seconds.

Collins said that while he was excited about Allen, he would like to see him string a few more games together like the one he had against Washington.